Post-Mortem: UFC Fight Night 19

What was supposed to happen, happened: topping UFC Fight Night 19
from Oklahoma City, Okla., Wednesday were two main-attraction
fights that more or less played to scripts written by fans and
analysts. Gray
Maynard, an active and bullying wrestler, was able to pressure
12-month absentee Roger
Huerta into dropping a close-split decision; after suffering
the effects of solid striking, Nate Diaz
capitalized on a lazy takedown attempt and squeezed Melvin
Guillard’s neck.

Lack of suspense aside, you can’t complain much over fifty
continuous minutes of fighting: suffering “Saw VI” previews
is a small price to pay.

Next For Diaz: A slightly inflamed ego from breaking a two-fight
losing streak; maybe Joe
Lauzon.

Next for Guillard: A review of some fundamentals: don’t charge in
like a bull, head down, and stick your neck into the armpit of a
jiu-jitsu black belt. Failing that, opposing Sam Stout in a
guaranteed stand-up highlight clip.

Next for Maynard: Some busy work until he can challenge the winner
of B.J.
Penn/Diego
Sanchez for the 155-pound title. (Hopefully with a finish: his
last five wins are via decision.)

Next for Huerta: More fights: you can act when you’re old and
rusted out.